? about leaving a gun in an unsecured environment

[old4x4]

Here's my first thought. Let me know if I'm an idiot. Buy some new underwear/socks. Take your old stuff, rub it in something to "discolor" it. Lay the gun in the back of your closet or wherever with the "dirty" underwear on it. The idea is no one's gonna look under THAT. I liked the idea of putting it somewhere a thief won't look.
It'll also be accessible quickly if you need it. Just my .02

 

[Fred Fuller]

Any snatch'n'grab artist isn't going through drawers - they're going to pull them out and dump the contents on the floor.

 

[MedWheeler]

I've been known (by myself) to simply toss my LTR on my bed, under a wad of rumpled-up bedclothes.. Can't say how effective that is, but I know I wouldn't think to look there for valuables.. I don't do it often, though.

 

[FMF Doc]

I would just about never advise trading in a long gun for a short one. Keep the Marlin, save for a while and get a larger pistol if you want one. In the meantime...geta safe, or cable lock it to something that isn't going anywhere.

 

[kingcheese]

Until your weapons are secure, i wouldn't let anyone know your weapons location, not even friends, id also keep a list of models and numbers, worse comes to worse, most thieves won't take a long gun cause its to noticeable a personally own a few firearms and had a thief pry open my cabinet, they didn't take them the police said most likely it was because they where long guns with trigger locks on them

 

[1894]

I'm keeping it, and fairly well hidden at that- though still some what accessible.

It turns out that I don't have to pay rent in September. Hmmm... I really should save the $$. ...

 

[Lost Sheep]

Temporary fix

If you want to keep the Marlin, disassemble it when you don't want to take it shooting.

Gun parts are less attractive booty than stuff more easily sold. If the receiver is not stolen, you still have the "gun" (the part with the serial number). Smaller parts are easier to hide than the larger pieces.

Lost Sheep

 

[sniperlongshot]

a nice gun safe bolted to the floor, and renters insurance can go a long way, the marlin can have sentimetal value, but they are cheap and easy to come by

 

[leadcounsel]

Sounds like $ is an issue.

A 1911 is not a poor mans gun. .45ACP is spendy.

My advice is pick a different less expensive platform and caliber.

 

[1894]

Leadcounsel,

.45 ACP ammo is comparable in price to .357 mag. And, plenty of folks on this forum routinely recommend a nice, used 1911 in the $500 range.

Also, what price should I place on my son's life? Mine? Not trying to be argumentative here but, all my guns are meant for protection purposes.

 

[leadcounsel]

Also, what price should I place on my son's life? Mine? Not trying to be argumentative here but, all my guns are meant for protection purposes.

I read your OP to mean you are broke and that's why you are 1) living in a bad 'hood and 2) selling guns to consolidate rather than buying a safe... If I misread, my bad.

IF you are broke, then .40 cents+ per shot to PRACTICE is probably not the best route...

I think MOST shooters with any valid opinion (experience, research, etc) will agree that in standard acceptable self defense calibers, SHOT PLACEMENT is the most important factor. For most people, that comes with experience.

I really DON'T care if you want a 1911 or a laser gun. I'm simply offering MY insite.

If I were broke, I'd buy a wondernine and a crate of ammo and practice. 1000 rounds of 9x19 is about $200, vs. $350 or more for 1000 rounds of 1911.

 

[1894]

Leadcounsel,

I really didn't mean to offend. I thought you were comparing the cost of .45 to .357.

I read your OP to mean you are broke and that's why you are 1) living in a bad 'hood and 2) selling guns to consolidate rather than buying a safe... If I misread, my bad.

- you pretty much nailed it. Buying a safe for one rifle just doesn't seem to make much sense.

IF you are broke, then .40 cents+ per shot to PRACTICE is probably not the best route...

You make good sense here, but I already do - to some extent. Practice ammo (.357) is built into my budget. Also, when I go about every other week, I go with friends and get to shoot several platforms.

SHOT PLACEMENT is the most important factor.

I completely agree. Also, I'm more accurate with a friend's Springfield Loaded than I am with almost anything else.

If I were broke, I'd buy a wondernine...

Thought about that. But, most(all?) of them are double stacks that my short stubby fingers just don't like.

I appreciate your insight and thank you for your time and effort spent posting on my thread. I can't recall specifics at the moment, but I remember your username associated with well thought out responses on others as well.

Btw: I really want a laser gun. Know where I can get one?

 

[brodgers60]

go for the 1911. Bought a springfield armory,satin finish and wood grips (got tired of all the black guns , they all look alike) just reupped chl and shot 249 out of 250

 

[jim243]

I may put it on the bedroom doorand key the lock to the front door

You will find out that ALL towns, villages, cities whatever you want to call them have ordinances against keyed locks on inside doors. Don't take my word for it, call your local fire department and ask. (Yes, they can do that under the building and fire code)

If you MUST have a 1911, then get it. But to be perfectly honest they are heavy, bulky and limited (most) to 8+1 rounds.

I just sold one and use a FNH FNP-40, 14+1 rounds, lighter and much cheaper to buy.

But that's just me. Good luck on your choice.

Jim

Btw: I really want a laser gun. Know where I can get one?

Join the US Space Command part of the US Air Force (http://www.afspc.af.mil/) or you could go to Hollywood (LOL)

 

[ZeSpectre]

Look for the book "how to hide anything"

 

[WilleRupert]

Just put the rifle in a case under the kitchen sink. Sell the sp101 and get a Glock 23.

 

[jim243]

Just put the rifle in a case under the kitchen sink.

My sink isn't big enough to hide a gun case, but you could get a piece of wall board and build a false wall in a hallway closet cost about $10.00, $18.00 if you want to frame it out.

Jim

 

[unwise11]

Cheap home defense kit..

Glock 19 or 23, depends on whether you want the 9mm for economical and recoil purposes, or the .40 for the extra punch it carries.

3-5 magazines.

Flashlight.

Safe.

Done.

 

[BSA1]

First of all how much of a do-it-yourselver are you?

As I understand your living quarters you live in a 2nd floor apartment.

How well are your windows secure?

Suggestion: Put a nail or screw in the inside of the frame so the window can only be opened about 2".

How secure is your entry?

Suggestion:

Use long 3' to secure the lock hinges and striker plates to the door frame.

Install deadbolt lock with a long bolt throw. Deadbolt locks are rated by security ratings.

Think concealment:

You have several good hiding places if you think about it:

Add a couple of clothing hooks on the back of chest of drawers and hang your gun behind it. Hard to see unless you pull the dresser away from the wall.

Put your gun in case and hide it inside the box springs of your bed. Again almost impossible to find.

Don't hide it between the mattress and box springs though. Easy to find.

If you have a unused AC vent use it. Keep a grate over it and again impossible to find.

Hiding the gun in the wall is good if the landload doesn't mind you busting the wall up.

 

[1894]

The rifle is hidden as well as it can be. Renter's insurance is up to date. Door is as secure as it can be made. (if they come in through the 2nd story windows - well, they're coming in)

Haven't put the metal door on the BR yet. But, it's not a legal issue here. May still do it.

Want to keep the rifle, but iffin' you see it in Trading Post, you'll know...